Windows Defender - Help Needed

[ClaretTony]

A couple of weeks ago there was a thread asking if Windows Defender was all that was needed for security and the advice seemed to be that it was.

I had a separate security software on my laptop (running Windows 10) but it has now expired and so I'm just going to try using Windows Defender.

So, advice please. What do I now need to do to activate and use it?

[Paul Waine]

If you are a subscriber to Microsoft 365 (previously MS Office) you will have MS Defender.

Check if it's in your list at Start.

[ClaretTony]

If you are a subscriber to Microsoft 365 (previously MS Office) you will have MS Defender.

Check if it's in your list at Start.

Thanks Paul, yes I have Microsoft 365 and I have found Windows Security - so basically I don't have to do anything. That's good.

[Hipper]

You need to get to 'Windows Security'. Find it by typing it in the Q box bottom left. The go to 'Firewall & Network Protection'. I think it's there that you can enable Windows Defender.

When it's working you should get notifications about twice a week that it has checked for viruses.

[Paul Waine]

Thanks Paul, yes I have Microsoft 365 and I have found Windows Security - so basically I don't have to do anything. That's good.

Did you also see Microsoft Defender on the list? It may be, as Hipper suggests, that Microsoft Defender needs to be activated if you cannot find it on your list of applications.

[ClaretTony]

Did you also see Microsoft Defender on the list? It may be, as Hipper suggests, that Microsoft Defender needs to be activated if you cannot find it on your list of applications.

It's not there on the list and no mention of it where Hipper suggested

[ClaretTony]

I've been into Windows Security and then clicked on Virus & threat protection.

In there I found a message 'Who's protecting me? When I click on Manage providers, 'it says that Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Windows Firewall are both turned on.

[kendaldave]

I've been into Windows Security and then clicked on Virus & threat protection.

In there I found a message 'Who's protecting me? When I click on Manage providers, 'it says that Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Windows Firewall are both turned on.

Both turned on so you're okay. I have tried most of the free antivirus and firewalls over the years and prefer the Avast One free version which is a simple download from the A vast website (just ignore any suggestions to upgrade to the paid version of you decide to try it).

You might also want to consider that Microsoft will not be providing security updates to Windows 10 in the medium term.

[ClaretTony]

Both turned on so you're okay. I have tried most of the free antivirus and firewalls over the years and prefer the Avast One free version which is a simple download from the A vast website (just ignore any suggestions to upgrade to the paid version of you decide to try it).

You might also want to consider that Microsoft will not be providing security updates to Windows 10 in the medium term.

On WIndows 10, I keep getting messages suggesting I upgrade to 11 but just haven't done it. Perhaps I should be now.

[kendaldave]

I think you need to bite the Windows 11 bullet soon!

[Paul Waine]

On WIndows 10, I keep getting messages suggesting I upgrade to 11 but just haven't done it. Perhaps I should be now.

Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. I've had messages from Microsoft that my laptop isn't capable of running windows 11. I will probably buy a new one before windows 10 is withdrawn.

[ClaretTony]

Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. I've had messages from Microsoft that my laptop isn't capable of running windows 11. I will probably buy a new one before windows 10 is withdrawn.

I keep getting messages telling me to upgrade to Windows 11. I’m always hesitant when things work. I’ll get this weekend over with and upgrade during the break.